On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued four executive orders aimed at easing regulatory restrictions on nuclear energy production and expanding its output, as electricity demand surges across the country—particularly due to AI systems consuming massive amounts of power.

During the signing ceremony at the White House, Trump described the nuclear industry as a "thriving industry," adding, "It’s a fantastic industry. It has to be managed properly."

The executive orders, signed in the presence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, and CEOs of several nuclear energy companies, mandate:

1. Reforming nuclear energy research at the Department of Energy (DOE).

2. Paving the way for the DOE to build reactors on federally owned land.

3. Overhauling the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

4. Expanding uranium mining and enrichment in the U.S.

Regulatory Rollback and AI Energy Needs
Interior Secretary Burgum stated the orders would "turn back the clock on over 50 years of excessive regulatory constraints on the nuclear sector," noting each measure addresses "separate issues that have hindered the industry."

Defense Secretary Hegseth emphasized the need for more power to support AI: "We’re integrating AI into everything we do. If we don’t, we won’t be fast enough. We won’t keep pace with our adversaries. We need energy to power this—and nuclear is a big part of it."

AI and National Security
Prior to the signing, an unnamed senior administration official briefed reporters, stating the orders aim "in part to meet rising electricity demand from AI technology" and would "ensure safe, reliable nuclear power for critical defense facilities and AI data centers."

The fourth order requires the NRC to make licensing decisions for new reactors within 18 months, a move the official said would "reduce regulatory burdens and shorten approval timelines."

Nuclear Energy’s Role in Decarbonization
Nuclear power is seen as a key tool to transition away from fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions, as it generates electricity without burning coal, oil, or natural gas. While U.S. solar and wind output has tripled in the past decade, concerns persist that renewables alone cannot meet skyrocketing demand—especially with AI’s exponential energy needs.

A report this week by consultancy ICF International projected U.S. electricity demand will rise 25% by 2030 (vs. 2023 levels) and 78% by 2050, largely driven by data centers powering AI.

Fifth Order: Restoring "Gold Standard" for Science
Separately, Trump signed a fifth executive order to reinstate the "gold standard for science as the cornerstone of federal research," per a senior official. White House Science Advisor Michael Kratsios told reporters the order would "ensure America’s continued strength and global leadership in science and technology."